Associate of Jailed Godman Kharat and Wife Killed in Samruddhi Expressway Collision
In a tragic incident on Friday, Jitendra Shelke (55) and his wife Anuradha (50) – close associates of the incarcerated self-styled godman Ashok Kharat – lost their lives after their car rammed into a slow-moving truck on the Samruddhi Expressway. The accident occurred in Maharashtra's Ahmednagar district, approximately 250 kilometers from Mumbai, near Dhotre village under the Kopargaon police station limits around noon.
The couple's 14-year-old son sustained serious injuries in the crash and is currently receiving medical treatment. Police officials confirmed the identities and revealed that Shelke served as the vice-president of the Shivanika Trust, an organization run by Kharat, and was a key business partner of the controversial figure.
Political Storm Erupts Over Suspicious Circumstances
The fatal accident has ignited a political firestorm, with opposition leaders openly questioning the authenticity of the crash and demanding a comprehensive investigation.
NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar took to social media platform X to express his concerns, stating, "The death of Jitendra Shelke in this tragic accident is extremely shocking. One cannot help but suspect whether this was orchestrated to prevent Kharat's other unrevealed misdeeds from coming to light." He emphasized the necessity for a thorough probe and highlighted the importance of ensuring Kharat's safety during the ongoing investigations.
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sushma Andhare described the incident as "unbelievable" and voiced apprehensions that other individuals connected to Kharat might be in grave danger. She warned that doubts would only intensify if the Special Investigation Team (SIT) does not expedite its probe.
Deepening Investigations and Controversial Allegations
Ashok Kharat remains in judicial custody facing multiple charges including rape, sexual assault, and cheating. The Enforcement Directorate is actively investigating a potential money laundering angle, conducting searches related to his associates and affiliated entities.
In a dramatic development, Congress leader Praniti Shinde speculated about the possibility of an encounter involving Kharat, suggesting that names from the current ruling dispensation in Maharashtra, including state ministers, could emerge during the investigation. "I feel he may be killed in an encounter, as many names are going to come forward," she stated, criticizing the government's contradictory stance on supporting women.
Activist Anjali Damania added fuel to the controversy by alleging that a senior Nashik police officer had attended an event with Kharat present. She shared photographic and video evidence on social media, demanding a departmental vigilance inquiry and pointing to multiple call records linked to the officer.
Government Response and Parallel Investigations
Maharashtra Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule responded to the escalating claims by urging political leaders to refrain from making unverified statements. "Instead of making sensational statements for media attention, they should submit any concrete information to the SIT," he asserted, calling for responsible conduct from public representatives.
In a parallel investigative track, police questioned Pratibha Chakankar on Monday regarding allegations involving bank accounts linked to Kharat. Officials confirmed that accounts in the names of Chakankar and her son at a credit cooperative society are under active scrutiny as part of the widening financial probe.
The case continues to develop rapidly, with the accident victims' connection to the controversial godman ensuring sustained political and media attention on the circumstances surrounding their deaths.
